Are There Great Horned Owls in Wisconsin?

Yes, Great Horned Owls are common year-round residents throughout Wisconsin, from the Northwoods forests to agricultural areas and urban regions. These large nocturnal predators thrive in the state's mix of forests, lakes, wetlands, and mixed habitats. They are among Wisconsin's most widespread and adaptable owl species, found in every region.

By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.

Great Horned Owl photographed in Wisconsin — Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.

Found in Wisconsin

1
species recorded: 45,543
GBIF records: 6
birding hotspots: April, May, March
peak months

Yes, great horned owls are in Wisconsin. Next you'll want:

Real sighting data, source iNaturalist

1,004 verified observations on iNaturalist of great horned owl have been recorded in Wisconsin, most often in April, May, March.

When great horned owl are recorded in Wisconsin

Where Great Horned Owls Live in Wisconsin

Great Horned Owls are found throughout Wisconsin's diverse landscape. In the northern Northwoods region, particularly in areas like the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, they inhabit the extensive boreal and mixed forests that cover the landscape. The Apostle Islands area on Lake Superior hosts populations in the island forests and surrounding mainland. Central Wisconsin's lakes and forests, particularly around the Wisconsin River drainage, provide excellent habitat. The transition zone where the Northwoods meet the agricultural areas of central Wisconsin supports populations. Southern Wisconsin's agricultural landscape, with its mix of woodlots, shelterbelts, hedgerows, and scattered trees, supports useful populations. The Mississippi River valley provides riparian habitat concentration. Lakes throughout Wisconsin, including Green Bay shorelines and inland lakes, support Great Horned Owls that hunt waterfowl and aquatic mammals. Urban and suburban areas of Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and other Wisconsin cities with sufficient wooded habitat support populations. Forest edges, abandoned farm buildings, and utility poles provide roosting and hunting opportunities. Agricultural regions of western Wisconsin, the Driftless Area with its unique topography and woodlots, and eastern Wisconsin's varied habitats all host year-round populations. Wetland areas, including marshes and swamp edges throughout the state, provide hunting grounds.

Seasons and Timing in Wisconsin

Great Horned Owls remain in Wisconsin throughout the year, making them one of the state's true permanent resident owl species. However, Wisconsin birds are joined by additional Great Horned Owls from farther north during fall and winter. This influx, particularly noticeable from October through March, temporarily increases the population. Calling activity is most intense from September through March, with peak vocalizations in January and February. In autumn, September through November, Great Horned Owls establish territories and pairs become increasingly vocal. By December and January, calling reaches maximum intensity as pairs prepare for breeding. Winter is the season when you are most likely to hear Great Horned Owl calls throughout Wisconsin. Nesting begins in late fall and winter, with pairs taking over old hawk or eagle nests or using natural cavities in large dead trees. Eggs are typically laid in January and February. Incubation occurs through winter with eggs hatching in March and April. Young owls fledge from nests by June. Summer and fall, from July through September, is when young owls learn hunting skills in their natal territory under parental guidance. By late fall, young owls have become independent though they may remain nearby through early winter.

How to Identify Great Horned Owls

Great Horned Owls are Wisconsin's largest resident owl species, with wingspans exceeding five feet in adult females. Their most distinctive feature is the pair of prominent ear tufts that rise from the crown of the head. Their large eyes are forward-facing and typically yellow to orange-yellow in color. The facial disc is relatively flat and rounded. Their plumage ranges from grayish-brown to dark brown, often with barring and streaking. Wisconsin Great Horned Owls tend toward gray and brown colorations that blend well with tree bark. Their powerful legs are feathered nearly to the toes. Their large hooked beak is dark and partly concealed by facial feathers. Females are noticeably larger than males, sometimes weighing 50 percent more. The most distinctive characteristic is their deep, resonant hooting call described as 'hoo, hoo-hoo, hoo, hoo' or sometimes like 'who, who-who, who, who.' The call is rich and full-bodied and carries far through Wisconsin's forests and across lakes and wetlands. Males produce higher-pitched vocalizations than females. The call is audible for more than a mile under optimal conditions and is the easiest way to identify the species.

Where Sightings Are Most Common in Wisconsin

Great Horned Owls concentrate in specific habitats throughout Wisconsin. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in the Northwoods is prime habitat with extensive suitable forests and openings. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Lake Superior provides excellent habitat in island forests and surrounding areas. Central Wisconsin lakes region, including the Wisconsin River valley from Stevens Point northward, hosts populations. The Horicon Marsh, one of Wisconsin's largest wetland complexes, has Great Horned Owls despite having lower overall owl density than some other Wisconsin habitats. Milwaukee's parks and wooded neighborhoods, particularly larger parks and lakefront areas, support suburban populations. Madison area parks and surrounding forests support urban and suburban populations. The Wisconsin River itself, with its extensive corridors and wooded banks, concentrates populations. Agricultural areas throughout southern Wisconsin, particularly regions with larger woodlots and hedgerows, have healthy populations. The Mississippi River valley provides concentrated habitat. State Wildlife Areas managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources often host these owls. Private forest lands and rural properties throughout Wisconsin frequently have resident Great Horned Owls. Listening during evening and night hours in any habitat with large trees and suitable hunting ground offers chances to hear these owls.

Behavior and Hunting Habits

Great Horned Owls are skilled nocturnal hunters active throughout Wisconsin's seasons. They hunt exclusively at night, perching on tall trees, utility poles, or other vantage points before diving onto prey. In Wisconsin, their diet consists primarily of rabbits and hares, which are abundant and make up more than half their annual food intake. They also hunt Wisconsin voles, mice, rats, ground squirrels, pocket gophers, and other small mammals. Muskrats are frequently taken from wetland areas. Ducks, geese, and other waterfowl are hunted in areas near lakes and rivers. Beavers and porcupines are occasionally taken. Great Horned Owls are fierce predators that will hunt other owls and raptors if opportunity arises. They maintain established territories that they may occupy for many years. Breeding pairs remain together long-term, often for life. These owls do not build their own nests but appropriate old nests of hawks, eagles, or crows, or use natural cavities in large dead trees. Pairs often return to the same nest site year after year. During winter, pairs engage in duetting behavior where both birds vocalize in coordinated patterns. Young owls learn to hunt through trial and error after leaving the nest. Parents initially provide dead prey, then live prey for practice. The learning period extends several months after fledging.

Living Alongside Great Horned Owls

Great Horned Owls are protected wildlife in Wisconsin under state law and federal regulations. They may not be hunted or harmed without special permits. These large owls pose no threat to humans and actively avoid populated areas. They are generally not a concern for property owners. They may occasionally prey on small outdoor pets, particularly unattended cats and small dogs left outside at night, though such predation is uncommon. Most people living in areas with Great Horned Owls never encounter the bird directly. Great Horned Owls are beneficial predators that control rodent populations damaging crops and stored grain. Farmers and rural property owners often appreciate these owls' presence. The owls' role in controlling rodent pests makes them valuable ecosystem members. If you find an injured, sick, or dead Great Horned Owl, contact the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for guidance. Dead owls can provide valuable population monitoring information. Supporting habitat conservation by protecting old-growth forests and leaving large dead trees standing helps maintain healthy populations. ExploreWisconsin wildlifeand learn more about the state's native birds through our comprehensivewildlife guide.

Similar Species and Confusion

Wisconsin's large owls can sometimes be confused with Great Horned Owls, though distinct field marks help distinguish them. The Barred Owl is Wisconsin's most common large resident owl and is sometimes confused with Great Horned Owls, particularly by inexperienced observers. However, Barred Owls lack the prominent ear tufts and have dark eyes rather than yellow eyes. Barred Owls produce a distinctive 'who cooks for you' call. The Long-eared Owl, a winter visitor to Wisconsin, is considerably smaller with more delicate ear tufts. The Short-eared Owl, a rare winter visitor, hunts over open grassland during daylight. The Great Gray Owl is an extremely rare winter visitor and is significantly larger. Snowy Owls occasionally visit Wisconsin in winter from Arctic regions and are clearly pale or white. The Eastern Screech-Owl is much smaller with a high-pitched call. Young Bald Eagles in poor light might suggest large owls but have different body proportions. Learning field marks of each species ensures accurate identification. The prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes of the Great Horned Owl are usually diagnostic. See ourWisconsin wildlife guidefor detailed information.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hear Great Horned Owls calling in Wisconsin? The best time to hear Great Horned Owls is from September through March, with peak calling activity in January and February. They call most frequently in early evening and throughout the night. Are Great Horned Owls found in Wisconsin cities and suburbs? Yes, Great Horned Owls live in suburban and urban areas with sufficient wooded habitat, including parks and neighborhoods in Milwaukee, Madison, and other Wisconsin cities. They hunt at night and roost in tall trees during the day. Do Great Horned Owls migrate out of Wisconsin in winter? No, Great Horned Owls that breed in Wisconsin remain year-round. However, additional owls from farther north may arrive in Wisconsin during winter, temporarily increasing the population. Most breeding birds stay year-round. How large is a Great Horned Owl territory in Wisconsin? A single Great Horned Owl pair typically maintains a territory of several square miles. Territory size varies with prey availability and habitat quality. Denser populations occur in particularly productive areas. For more information, explore our comprehensiveWisconsin wildlife guideand learn about all native bird species. Visit ournational wildlife guideto explore other species.

Plan your trip

Best time to see great horned owl in Wisconsin: April, May, March

See the month-by-month sighting calendar.

When to go

Plan your great horned owl sighting in Wisconsin

45,543 verified great horned owl records have been logged in Wisconsin, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Wisconsin

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Ice Age National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
North Country National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Horicon NWR (general) (please use more precise locations) · 299 species recorded
Manitowoc Lakefront · 298 species recorded
Harrington Beach SP · 287 species recorded
Wisconsin Pt. (general) · 285 species recorded
Wind Point (Lighthouse and Shoop Park) · 282 species recorded
UW Lakeshore Nature Preserve (general) · 281 species recorded

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent great horned owl sightings

Home · 2026-07-20 05:45 · 1 seen
The Woods · 2026-07-20 02:10 · 1 seen
Washburn Home · 2026-07-19 23:37 · 1 seen
1519 Orchid Drive, Genoa City, Wisconsin, US (42.546, -88.352) · 2026-07-19 23:26
Home 9277 N Lake Dr, Bayside · 2026-07-19 21:57 · 3 seen

Planning a trip to see great horned owl? Find places to stay near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on Booking.com.